Types and Features of Knitting Machine | Knitting Machine Characteristics

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What is Knitting Machine?

A knitting machine is thus an apparatus for the application of mechanical movement either power or hand drive to primary knitting elements to convert yarn into knitted loop structures.

A knitting machine is a device used to create knitted fabrics or garments through a mechanized process, as opposed to hand knitting. These machines range from simple, manually-operated models to complex, computerized systems capable of producing intricate designs and patterns. Knitting machines can be categorized into different types based on their function, technology, and the type of fabric they produce.

Knitting machine used in textile industry
Fig: Knitting machine used in textile industry

There are different types of knitting machines used for producing knit fabric such as straight bar frame knitting machines, flat knitting machines, circular knitting machines, tricot warp knitting machines, Rachel warp knitting machines, etc.  A knitting machine is used to produce various types of fabric such as single jersey, double jersey, Lacoste, etc.

Features of Knitting Machine:

Some key features of the knitting machine have pointed out in the following:

1. The machine control and drive system coordinate the power for the drive of the devices and mechanisms.

2. The frame is normally free-standing and either circular or rectilinear according to needle bed shape which provides the support for the majority of the machine mechanisms.

3. The knitting system includes the knitting element, their housing, drive, and control as well as associated pattern and selection and apparel length control devices.

4. Knitting depthless by the operation of knitting elements such as-

  • Sinker: which is used to hold down the new loop,
  • Needle: which issued to form a loop,
  • Cam: it is used to up and down the needle during knitting.

5. The yarn supply consists of the below matters:

  • Tensioning devices,
  • Beam accommodation or yarn package,
  • Guides or yarn feed carriers,
  • Yarn feed control.

6. During production, some key checking points of the machine acts simultaneously which are-

  • Fabric fault detector,
  • Stop motion,
  • Needle detector,
  • Lint removal system, automatic oilers.

7. The knitting machine has a fabric take away mechanism and this type f mechanism consists of –

  • Fabric winding-up device,
  • Fabric tensioning device,
  • Fabric accommodation devices.

Types of Knitting Machine Used in Textile:

1. Flat Knitting Machine:

  • Description: These machines have a flat bed with needles arranged in a straight line. They produce flat pieces of fabric, which are later sewn together to create garments.
  • Applications: Commonly used for producing sweaters, scarves, and other garments. They can create ribbed, plain, and patterned fabrics.
  • Features: Capable of producing more complex and varied fabric structures compared to circular machines.

2. Circular Knitting Machine:

  • Description: These machines have a circular bed of needles, producing tubular fabric. They are highly efficient and often used in large-scale production.
  • Applications: Ideal for making socks, t-shirts, and seamless garments. Circular knitting machines are popular in producing jersey fabrics.
  • Features: Known for their speed and ability to produce continuous fabric without seams.

3. Warp Knitting Machine:

  • Description: In warp knitting, yarns are fed in parallel, and the fabric is formed with multiple yarns moving vertically. These machines are used for producing openwork fabrics and fabrics with more structural integrity.
  • Applications: Used in creating sportswear, swimwear, lingerie, and technical textiles.
  • Features: Can produce fabrics with complex structures and high stability, such as lace and mesh.

4. Single Bed Knitting Machine:

  • Description: These machines have a single needle bed and are mainly used for basic fabric structures.
  • Applications: Used for producing simple fabrics and basic knitwear like sweaters and scarves.
  • Features: Limited in the range of patterns and textures that can be produced.

5. Double Bed Knitting Machine:

  • Description: These machines have two needle beds, allowing them to create more complex fabric structures like ribbing and double-sided fabrics.
  • Applications: Commonly used in the production of garments that require more texture and structure, like ribbed sweaters and reversible fabrics.
  • Features: Allows for the creation of more intricate patterns and textures compared to single-bed machines.

6. Jacquard Knitting Machines:

  • Description: A type of knitting machine that can produce complex patterns and designs by controlling each needle individually.
  • Applications: Ideal for producing patterned fabrics, such as those used in high-end fashion and home textiles.
  • Features: Allows for the creation of detailed and colorful designs, often used in creating knitted tapestries and patterned sweaters.

More questions related to this topic:

  1. What do you mean by a knitting machine?
  2. what are the main features of a knitting m/c?
  3. what are the characteristics of a knitting m/c?
  4. Mention different types of knitting machine’s names.
  5. Present a list of knitting machines used in the textile industry.

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